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Google Maps returns to iOS

December 12, 2012

The Google Maps application is making its triumphant return to Apple's iOS devices today. The search giant provided maps to all iPhones until the release of iOS 6. That's when Apple replaced the maps app with its own program.

The advantage Google Maps had over Apple's mapping system was that it could leverage its search engine to find what a user was looking for. Apple's system relied on preloaded input.

Google Maps has always been available through the iPhone's browser, though it's slower to process directions when not directly installed on the phone.

Now the app is back. It comes with audible turn-by-turn directions, which was one of the main problems with Apple's system after Google flew the coop. For the first time, it features Street View, which only Google can provide.